KC firm 360 Architecture will design Edmonton’s new NHL arena

The $436.8 million hockey arena is the second large project that 360 Architecture has won this year. The firm recently was named to the design team for a $400 million project at the University of Notre Dame.

The firm had been in negotiations for more than a year on the Edmonton Oilers project. The team announced this week the project is a go, and work is expected to begin on the 18,641-seat arena in March.

The arena will be part of a larger downtown revival that will include a community ice rink, a light-rail transit station and a pedestrian walkway.

The Oilers arena is the second large project that 360 Architecture has won this year. The firm recently was named to the design team for a $400 million project at the University of Notre Dame. Its work will include adding premium seating and other fan facilities to the school’s football stadium.

A representative at 360 Architecture referred inquiries Thursday about the Oilers project to officials there.

“This is an exciting day for Edmonton as we move ahead with a project that will help realize our vision of a more vibrant downtown and ensures that the Edmonton Oilers remain a vital part of our city for years to come,” Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said in a statement.

The new Rogers Place arena is expected to be completed by the 2016 NHL season. The facility was described as being designed to be a world-class sports and entertainment venue with the best sports technology in North America. Icon Venue Group will manage the construction. Icon also managed the building of the Sprint Center.